Small led the Tornado at the highly competitive Midwest Classic, finishing sixth. The second-ranked wrestler advanced to the quarterfinals at 141 pounds before a sudden victory setback. On the second day he took a 16-0 technical fall victory over Maryville University’s Taylor Jokerst. He then advanced to the consolation semifinals following a 4-1 victory over Peter Kuster of Drury University. However, and injury sustained in the match ended his weekend, giving Small a sixth-place finish.